PEÑA K, Bräuning A (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Book Volume: 82
Issue: 2
DOI: 10.3959/TRR2025-7
The tropical dry forests are strongly affected by changing climatic variability. This study measured the ring-width index (RWI) and vessel variables such as average vessel lumen area (AVLA), total vessel lumen area (TVLA), and vessel density (VD) of Vachellia macracantha (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) in the tropical dry forest of southern Ecuador. We applied standard dendrochronological methods and developed chronologies for both RWI and the vessel variables. These chronologies were correlated with climate data from Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología, from Ecuador, the CRU TS4.08 dataset (Climatic Research Unit Time Series-KNMI Climate Explorer), and the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI-1 and SPEI-12) to assess climate–growth relationships. Results showed a positive correlation between RWI, AVLA and TVLA with INAMHI, CRU and SPEI data, indicating that higher rainfall promotes radial growth and larger vessel lumen areas. In contrast, regional temperature data (INAMHI) were negatively correlated with VD during the dry season (May–October). Furthermore, VD exhibited an anomalous negative correlation with the SPEI indices during this same period, suggesting a complex physiological response where vessel formation is highly constrained by thermal stress. These findings underscore the complex hydraulic adjustment of V. macracantha to the bimodal hydroclimate, demonstrating how the species balances hydraulic efficiency (larger vessels during the wet season) with safety and resource allocation through structural vessel modifications under dry season thermal stress. By integrating dendrochronology and wood anatomy, this study provides valuable insights into the growth dynamics of V. macracantha in this tropical dry forest and offers a baseline for future research and local adaptation strategies in the face of changing climate conditions.
APA:
PEÑA, K., & Bräuning, A. (2026). Effect of Climate on Ring-Width and Vessel Variables of Vachellia macracantha from Dry Forest in Southern Ecuador. Tree-Ring Research, 82. https://doi.org/10.3959/TRR2025-7
MLA:
PEÑA, KELLY, and Achim Bräuning. "Effect of Climate on Ring-Width and Vessel Variables of Vachellia macracantha from Dry Forest in Southern Ecuador." Tree-Ring Research 82 (2026).
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